Special Days

Atlanta Festival Academy

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This summer, I had the honor of attending the first annual Atlanta Festival Academy. The festival academy was founded by Ms. Lin Wei, Ms. Amy Chang, and Mr. William Pu – who is now my teacher. This intensive is connected to the Menuhin violin competition, so I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Gordon Back, the artistic director of the contest and world-renowned pianist, and Chloe Chua, the 2018 winner. There were several other incredible professors, accompanists, and performers from all over the world, and it was incredible to get to work with and speak to all of them. I was part of an orchestra, and over the course of two weeks we prepared four pieces for the final performance. I also got two private violin lessons and a masterclass, both of which were incredible learning experiences. Below are the links to the pieces that we performed at the final concert. I am so excited for next year!

Atlanta Festival Academy Performance – 1

Atlanta Festival Academy Performance – 2

Atlanta Festival Academy Performance – 3

 

Voice Recital 2019

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Somehow, summer has rolled around and is rushing by so quickly! Just recently, I performed at my voice recital, ending one school year and just about starting the next. I performed two pieces – Shenandoah and Oh What a Beautiful Morning (from Oklahoma!). Check out the recording below!

I am so fortunate to have Ms. M as my teacher! She prepares me so well for all my performances, and I have learned so much from her.

Final Emory Concerts!

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The season is truly coming to an end! Last week marked my last Emory concert this school year! This has been a wonderful and fun experience.

A weekend or two ago, a large part of my orchestra went up to Nashville for the weekend. We toured various museums, listened to some fantastic music, made our own custom goo goos (those did not last very long… :-)), performed at Belmont University, and most importantly – we ate every 3 hours.

Check out the recordings at these links:

Pulcinella – Stravinsky

Shenandoah

Mad Hatter Musings – Mosier

Art Tales 2019

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Recently, I submitted to the 2019 Art Tales Writing Contest, which is based in Ventura County, California. Each year, three or four pieces of art are chosen from the Municipal Art Collection, and contestants must base their poem on one of these. Just last week I found out that I had placed first in my division! Woohoo! I was really excited when I heard the news – it is always wonderful when my poems are accepted and find a home. I submitted last year and placed third. Check out my poem:

Musical – Happily Ever After

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It’s been a long weekend! My musical theater company and I performed 3 shows of the original musical Happily Ever After. Wow, this was such a fun musical – it is a satire on the traditional fairy tales. You favorite fairy tale characters are portrayed in a way you have probably never seen before. This show was so cleverly written – we got some good laughs. Check out some pictures:

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Podcast

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Recently, I was asked by Mr. William Suit – a wonderful pianist, vocalist, and composer – to record a podcast. I am so fortunate that I have had the honor of working with Mr. Suit for years. He started me off right on my vocal journey, helping me to learn the correct techniques and to be self-confident. Not only that, but Mr. Suit gave me opportunities I would not have found anywhere else. A year or two back he asked me to record vocals for his CD of children’s songs, In My Backyard – he had composed all the music and wrote the lyrics. Mr. Suit continues to assist dozens of young, aspiring vocalists and pianists to start off on a path towards a successful music career or a satisfying hobby. Mr. Suit is truly a fabulous musician, artist, and mentor! I look forward to working with him in the future.

You can check out the podcast at this link:

Give a Hoot Interview With Elisabeth Baer

Carl Sandburg Poetry Contest

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A couple of weeks ago, I was honored to receive the People’s Choice award in the Carl Sandburg poetry contest. The awards ceremony took place last weekend in North Carolina. My family and I drove up Friday morning so that we could attend. While there, we visited the Carl Sandburg house, which is now a National Park. Check out the pictures above and my poem below!

Drawing Hearts with a Pink Flashlight

Another Cabaret!

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…and yet another fun cabaret has gone by! This time, I performed two pieces I absolutely adore – America (West Side Story), and Je Veux (by Zaz).  In America, I was honored to have been able to accompany Ms. Ashlyn, a phenomenal dancer. As a surprise, I prepared and dedicated Je Veux to Mme Maryse, my wonderful friend and French teacher.

I was honored that my family and friends came to see my performances! Check out the recordings below.

I cannot wait till the next cabaret! Please comment and let me know what you think.

My New Violin – Sweet Valentine!

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I got my first full-size violin just a couple of weeks ago! Woo-hoo! And boy, do I love her – which is very appropriate since I got her on Valentine’s Day. In honor of this, I have named her my Sweet Valentine. Who knows – maybe she will be the violin I take with me through the rest of my life. Check out the pictures – isn’t she just beautiful? And she sounds so wonderful… like melted caramel.